Thrashed by Extreme Storms
Mother Nature has a habit of showing us that we are not invincible and that everything we build and strive for is impermanent.
The best laid plans…. Our plans for 2017 were wrecked by storms. In its wake, a record breaking year emerged with a stronger community and rebuilding often improving what was before.
Because of the kindness of community members like you, we're building a whole new foundation with which to cultivate our inner selves. In 2016 we formed the plan to upgrade our entire infrastructure, from electric, to water, to communications. In 2017, we broke ground...
Thanks to contributors like you, we were able to secure essential funding to get future buddhas and bodhisattvas here safely.
From the power of youth to the lessons of aging, we had a lot to explore and say this past year. See some of our blog's 2017 highlights:
Mother Nature has a habit of showing us that we are not invincible and that everything we build and strive for is impermanent.
Catherine Slocock speaks to leaders from our Wise Heart Youth program about the intersection of Buddhism and childhood education.
Our Executive Director announces her resignation.
Lennie Kronisch has had ample opportunities to take the plunge into these challenging yet paradoxically rewarding waters and en route, she has gained a wealth of understanding.
We helped people experience 205,560 hours of the peace, serenity, and inherent mindfulness of the natural world.
We installed 27,765 ft of water, gas, communication and electrical piping in incredibly difficult mountanious terrain.
In 2017 we got to work preparing a great retreat calendar for 2018, and we are so excited to watch it pay off!
Internet access is very limited at Vajrapani Institute, and that is also a good thing!
Our Wise Heart Youth Program was a great time in 2017.
This summer, we had to evacuate 75 people due to a forest fire. Everyone and everything was safe!
Our Staff are the pillars of this community. They fulfill all the necessary functions of a busy retreat center. But it’s the spirit of harmony that shines brightest.
Our kitchen manager, is responsible for the delicious meals at Vajrapani Institute. When not making his famous potato salad, Brad is an avid gamer and traveler.
As a seasoned land caretaker, Cody pours his heart into listening to and caring for the property. Cody lives harmoniously with his two rabbits, Jessica and Kevin.
Elaine is our new Resident teacher and gernerally amazing Human being. Elaine was an original founder of Vajrapani Institute, and we are happy to welcome her back in an official role.
A true Vajrapani veteran, executive director Fabienne serves as our fearless leader. When not at the helm, Fabienne loves being helmless.
Frankie, a land caretaker, brings his big heart to the stewardship of our precious land. A Santa Cruz local, Frankie’s second home is in the Himalayas.
As groundskeeper, Cynthia is in charge of negotiating with the deers on what to eat. When not animal-whispering, she enjoys meditating pre-dawn.
As administration assistant, mother of two, and avid photographer, Liz is too modest to admit her service here is indispensable to our organization.
As Assistant Communications Relations Coordinator, Louie wears a few hats, supporting a variety of departments. His most treasured hat is the one he wears while drumming.
As Communications Relations Coordinator, Rowdy serves as the communication hub between our departments. Rowdy’s waiting for the day to star in the show, Mystery Science Theater 3000.
As a seasoned land caretaker and avid runner, Sean or “Flaming Eagle” pours his heart into caring for the maintenance and upkeep of the land.
Spiritual Program Coordinator by day and Violinist by night, Shankha is dedicated to developing and enriching the spiritual life of Vajrapani Institute.
Venerable John serves as our center manager, or “Monkle” as his nephew calls him. Venerable oversees the day to day well-being of the center and its staff.
As Assistant Spiritual Program Coordinator and deep-rooted community member, Wanda provides necessary support to the spiritual activities of Vajrapani.
As Housekeeping Manager, Zully purifies our retreat center with her keen eye for removing dirt. Fun fact, Zully is an excellent salsa dancer!
The Executive Director is responsible for managing and supervising the finances of Vajrapani Institute, as directed by its Board of Directors.
Vajrapani Institute receives revenue and support primarily through donor contributions and retreat revenue. Retreat revenue consists of FPMT retreats, individual private retreats, and group facility rentals. For the year ended December 31, 2017, total revenue and support was $1,465,718, consisting of retreat revenue of $345,591, donor contributions of $1,080,832, and other support of $39,295.
For the year ended December 31, 2017, total operating expenses were $712,805, other expenses, net were $56,918, resulting in an increase in net assets of $695,995.
During 2017, Vajrapani Institute invested $575,533 in property and equipment improvements, including upgrading the center’s electrical system and other utilities ($416,212), storm and road repairs ($61,347), and continued planning work on the Prayer Wheel Project ($11,099).
Temporarily restricted net assets at December 31, 2017 consist of donor restricted funds for the Prayer Wheel Project ($25,408), Storm Relief ($10,977), Road Repairs ($14,392) and the Wisdom Culture Legacy Fund ($47,111).